Let me preface this post with this… I do not have an age phobia. I have embraced every single birthday and I never hesitate to give my age – my REAL age. Since turning the age of 40 I’ve taken up some new hobbies (rock climbing) and done some cool stuff (skydiving). I refuse to let the ripe old age of 52 keep me from doing the things I want to do.
However, I recently had a realization – I’m a Senior Adult! Oh my! As part of the new Long Hollow Springfield Campus, I was standing around one Saturday night while we were setting up and just happened to look around at everyone gathered there and then realization hit me – I was one of the OLDEST ones there. I looked at my buddy (who is younger than me) and said “We’re the senior adults!” We both stood there with our mouths hanging open and utter disbelief spread across our faces. How did this happen? We’re young – we’re fun – we are so not ready to do leaf tours and go to Branson! Now what?
I began greeting at the new campus. Isn’t that what seniors do? Just go to Wal-Mart. My daughter kept trying to get me to work with the children in Treehouse. I kept saying – I’m too old for that. You need young mothers and fathers in there with those kids. Then through my Bible reading, I came upon the story of Abraham and Sarah. She was 90 years old when she had her first child (yep not gonna do that one) and look how fabulous that turned out. If God could father a nation through Sarah at 90, He can sure do something through me at 52. I’m not used up yet!
I still cannot believe I stuck myself in a box that was safe and normal. Totally not my way. I am stretching my wings and going strong working with the kids. Vacation Bible School rolled around and you guessed it – I was the first one down the slide in the blow up house. Wisdom comes with age and I realized I do have a few things to tell these kids. I can share my successes and my failures. I can hug on them and love on them and listen to what they have to say.
If you’re not serving in some capacity, I invite you to step outside your own box and find your place. God may need you to try something totally outside your comfort zone or He may send you some place old and familiar. Either way, you’re never too old to serve.
“Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.”
~Psalms 7l:17-18
Carol
Oh Carol, you make me smile and think with every posting. I thought my days with preschool were over too since my kids are just about grown. Then God had to go and soften my heart even more for these little ones. Thanks to the encouragement of Meghan Tucker and examples in our church like you , I chose to follow the heartbeat of Jesus and “let the little children come to him” Never a dull moment, but lovin all of it. Don’t forget Carol, I photographic evidence of you coming down the big blow up slide at VBS!